Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to hold a series of public meetings with the country’s Jewish community to discuss concerns, including antisemitism.

In her first formal meeting with representatives of the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, Ms Sturgeon said she found the level of Jew-hatred experienced in Scotland “unacceptable”.

She asked to visit a synagogue in order to learn more about Jewish life.

Following Thursday’s meeting the Scottish National Party leader said: “I was delighted to meet SCoJeC to hear their views on the experiences and issues of concern to Jewish communities in Scotland.

“I look forward to greater engagement with members of the Jewish community in the near future as we work together to eradicate antisemitism and intolerance in this country.”

SCoJeC director Ephraim Borowski and the group’s public affairs officer, Nicola Livingston, presented Ms Sturgeon with a copy of the group’s findings on the anxiety felt by Scottish Jews following an unprecedented rise in antisemitism following last summer’s Gaza conflict.

The SNP leader said she was concerned that some Jews were now hiding their identity or considering leaving Scotland .

Mr Borowski said: “We are very grateful to the First Minister for giving us so much of her time, and are reassured by her desire to engage personally with the community and address their concerns at first hand.

“We look forward to working with her and her government to make sure that Scotland is a place where Jewish people can feel welcome and at home, and above all safe and secure.”